The ongoing political tensions surrounding the Electoral Commission (EC) and its decision to rerun elections in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North constituency have drawn sharp criticism from Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Member of Parliament for Manhyia South.
Speaking candidly, the MP alleged that the Electoral Commission’s recent decision is not an independent move but rather one influenced by pressure from the executive arm of government and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to Hon. Baffour Awuah, the EC had consistently maintained a firm position to complete the collation of votes in the disputed constituency.
However, in a sudden and unexplained shift, the commission has now declared a rerun, citing logistical and security concerns. The MP expressed concern over what he believes to be executive interference that is forcing the EC to abandon its initial path.
“The NPP’s position, which has been consistent with the strong position of the EC, has been let’s complete with the collation. At all material times, the police failed to cooperate with the EC to complete the collation.”
Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
The apparent contradiction in the police’s role has not gone unnoticed. Hon. Baffour Awuah questioned why the police, who previously declined to support the EC in completing the collation, are now willing to provide security for a rerun.
He found this development puzzling and troubling, suggesting that it may reflect a deeper issue of political influence over state institutions.
He emphasized that this behavior raises serious questions about institutional independence.
In his view, the police, as part of the executive branch, appear to be selectively cooperative—willing to assist only when the rerun aligns with an agenda that is inconsistent with the court’s directive.
Police, EC Actions Stir Electoral Tensions
The MP further argued that the Electoral Commission, if left to act according to its sworn responsibilities, would lead a negotiated solution to finalize the collation.
He asserted that under the current circumstances, there is no need for a fresh election. Rather, the focus should be on enforcing the court’s ruling.
According to him, initiating an election petition in this instance is not legally valid since the electoral process remains incomplete.
Hon. Baffour Awuah also drew attention to the inconsistencies in the EC’s latest communication.
“You know that curiously, the Glory Land Hotel polling station, which was supposed to be part of the three outstanding polling stations, is not part of the 19 police stations, making the whole decision very chaotic and not informed.”
Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
This discrepancy, he warned, has added confusion and undermines the credibility of the EC’s decision.
He then referenced the situation in the SALL (Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lipke, and Lolobi) area to illustrate how electoral confusion can arise when jurisdictional boundaries and representations are not clearly defined.
While many believe SALL had been disenfranchised, Hon. Baffour Awuah offered a different take.
He argued that SALL was traditionally part of the Buem constituency and had representation until the Guan constituency was carved out to include it.
He noted that the EC had handled the matter fairly well—until more recent challenges surfaced.
“They decided that they would not be part of Buem. They took the position that being part of Buem is likely to deny them a separate constituency.”
Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
The MP warned that Ghana’s election system is not isolated; it functions as part of a broader ecosystem that includes the judiciary, police, and political stakeholders.
Thus, when one key player—such as the police—fails to fulfill its responsibilities, the whole system risks being destabilized.
EC Unready To Settle
Hon. Baffour Awuah pointed out that the EC’s recent letter does not suggest a desire to settle the matter. Instead, it outlines what he called “factual shifts” that contradict the commission’s original stance.
“And that contradiction, where did it come from? Who told the EC that 19 are outstanding, who?”
Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
According to Hon. Baffour Awuah, these contradictions are alarming and cast doubt on the integrity of the process.
He believes that the EC is now operating on a completely new set of facts with no clear explanation of how or why this change occurred. This sudden shift, he emphasized, cannot be accepted without scrutiny.
In conclusion, the MP called for transparency and accountability from the Electoral Commission, while urging Ghanaians to be vigilant about the actions of institutions meant to protect the sanctity of elections.
As the situation at Ablekuma North continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the rerun will proceed and whether it will satisfy public expectations for fairness and due process.
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